Yesterday’s lengthy (3 hour) appointment with my good friend and client yielded a surprised tip at the end of the session:

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I had shown interest in it when I first looked at her stash of vintage tools. I opted for my other choices mainly because I didn’t know if I would have cause to use this. At any rate, I’m happy to be its new owner and will clean this up and sharpen the blade for use.

I would like to know who made this tool. The only marking I can find on it is this:

Based on two factors, the overall shape of the tool and the distinct shape of the handles, the closest match appears to be Pexto. Pictures of their line of knives have the company brand and logo engraved in the center portion of the blade. This doesn’t have that, so it either has been worn off through use or isn’t a Pexto knife. If anyone has knowledge of its origin, please pass it on. Thanks.